OT: How to handle the loss of a State Championship?

[wazoo]

Hey all! Last night was a crazy one for my team and myself. We made it to the state championship at Centennial Field (Lake Monsters, single A affiliate of the A's) and we battled it out into extra innings. It was amazing, under the lights until 11:30. We lost in the end, but it was an amazing experience. Winning isn't everything, but it sure would've been enjoyable. I always have my senior year.

Anyone else have any state championship stories?

[Stonepony]

Yes, in tennis. In 1978 my partner and I won the Kansas 6A State Championship (sophomore) and again in 1980 ( senior). Our Junior year we placed 2nd in a very painful way. The match was in third set tiebreaker . At 6-6 in the tiebreaker the State Championship came down to a single point. I served approached the net.. Ball returned to me.. I volleyed. Other player popped a little blooper right between and over my partner and myself. Landed in by an inch. State Championship lost in a single intense point. How many times have a replayed that point in my head in the last 35 years?? Thousands!

[UnVme7]

Originally Posted by Stonepony

Yes, in tennis. In 1978 my partner and I won the Kansas 6A State Championship (sophomore) and again in 1980 ( senior). Our Junior year we placed 2nd in a very painful way. The match was in third set tiebreaker . At 6-6 in the tiebreaker the State Championship came down to a single point. I served approached the net.. Ball returned to me.. I volleyed. Other player popped a little blooper right between and over my partner and myself. Landed in by an inch. State Championship lost in a single intense point. How many times have a replayed that point in my head in the last 35 years?? Thousands!

Where are you from, Dave? I'm from Topeka.

[bnorth]

Some times it takes a long time to get over a loss. I won several state boxing titles in the early/mid 80's. When I was fighting for the title in 86 and lost I was so disappointed I never stepped into the ring again.

I was fighting the former Air Force national champ and was easily winning when for no reason the ref. gave me a standing 8 count, then 2 more while I was the one doing the a$$ kicking. It was so bad the whole crowd was booing each 8 count. Turned out the ref. was also his coach.

[Stonepony]

"Where are you from, Dave? I'm from Topeka."

I'm from Overland Park, went to Shawnee Mission East. Played many matches against Topeka and Topeka West

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

We lost a state mock trial and that was hard. While the judges were out the other team's coaches congratulated us on winning. The ballots came in 2-1 against us. The presiding judge (a sitting federal judge) told it us it made no sense. It hurt for a while but we agreed that we have it our all and that made it better with time.

[clydepepper]

We lost our first game, came up through the losers bracket - winning 5 (that's right 5!) games on Saturday...to land us in the final...we were leading at about midnight Sunday night when the opposing manager went postal and the umps forfeited the game to us...that detail did not matter anyway...we still would have won- just as sweet. So, anyway, the tournament was played in Macon and I had to report to my first management job in Columbus (couple of hundred miles away) at 8am. Fleeting time to soak it in...that's what the trophy is for.

Our catcher played every inning of all 5 Saturday games and was ready for the final...I can't even remember being in that kind of shape!

[christopher.herman]

Waz, learning how to lose while still maintaining dignity, integrity and class is an important life lesson. We've all been there and, in the long run, accepting a loss and growing from it has made me a more empathetic adult. I've learned exponentially more about myself from my losses than my wins. I'm sure you and your teammates gave it your best and left it all out on the field.

That being said, learn and grow and build on your strengths and kick some ass next year!

[Orioles1954]

Having gone to a high school where the baseball team won a total of 10 games during my four years (the football team averages 1-3 wins per year), just being able to qualify is eons better than most student athletes could ever dream of.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by christopher.herman

Waz, learning how to lose while still maintaining dignity, integrity and class is an important life lesson. We've all been there and, in the long run, accepting a loss and growing from it has made me a more empathetic adult. I've learned exponentially more about myself from my losses than my wins. I'm sure you and your teammates gave it your best and left it all out on the field.

That being said, learn and grow and build on your strengths and kick some ass next year!

This is very true. There is a great seen from Rounders (a movie about a poker player) where Matt Damon says, "I don't remember all the games I won to build my bank roll but I can't stop thinking about how I lost it."

[Vintageismygame]

In football we went 48-1 throughout my 4 years. Only loss was in the state title game. We went to the state title game 8 years in a row and were featured in ESPN.